Police: 2014 heroin seizures way up from last year's totals

HARRISBURG — State police seized more than $23 million worth of heroin, marijuana and other illegal drugs during the second quarter of 2014 and have already surpassed the total amount of heroin taken off Pennsylvania streets in 2013, authorities announced.

Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan said that between April and June of this year, troopers seized more than 24.5 kilos of heroin and more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana — which, combined, have a street value of about $22 million — as well as 4.3 kilos of powder cocaine worth approximately $430,000, and 7,500 prescription pills and nearly 8 pounds of methamphetamines with a combined value of more than $500,000.

Additionally, police data shows, troopers seized more than 50 pounds of synthetic marijuana, approximately one kilo of crack cocaine and small amounts of PCP, LSD, opium and hashish oil.

“Gov. Corbett has tasked the state police with getting these illegal drugs and drug dealers off the streets and away from our children,” said Noonan, who added that between January and June of this year, state police seized more than 41 kilos of heroin, topping last year’s total of 31.5 kilos.

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Troopers seized more than $55 million worth of illegal drugs in Pennsylvania in 2013, according to Noonan.

“I am extremely proud of the work done by the Pennsylvania State Police, and I am looking forward to our continued partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and our state and local partners,” Noonan said.